VH1's hit reality series Black Ink Crew New York captured the intense drama, artistic triumphs, and explosive personal conflicts inside a bustling Harlem tattoo shop. Since the cameras stopped rolling on the original crew, fans have wondered what happened to the artists, managers, and personalities who made the shop a cultural staple.
While some cast members built independent business empires, others stepped away from the spotlight entirely to focus on family or private ventures. Let's look at where the prominent members of the Black Ink Crew New York cast stand today.
Ceaser Emanuel
As the founder and face of the franchise, David "Ceaser" Emanuel served as the anchor of Black Ink Crew New York across its major runs. His journey on screen was defined by expanding the Black Ink brand into multiple cities, managing high-profile relationships, and navigating intense family friction.
Following his departure from the network amid personal controversies, Ceaser shifted his focus entirely away from television. Today, he operates outside the mainstream media spotlight, occasionally focusing on independent business interests and maintaining his legacy as a pioneer in urban tattoo culture.
Crystana Dutchess Lattimore
Dutchess was a central figure for the first five seasons, known for her exceptional tattooing skills, her dramatic relationship with Ceaser, and her ambition to open her own shop. She left the show after her contract expired and chose a complete break from the network environment.
Lattimore returned home to North Carolina and built a successful life outside reality TV. She owns and operates Pretty-N-Ink, a thriving tattoo studio in Charlotte, where she focuses purely on her art, tattooing clientele, and maintaining a private personal life.
Alana Young Bae
Young Bae brought a distinct artistic perspective to the Harlem shop after moving to New York from Seoul, South Korea. Her journey from an apprentice with raw talent to a featured artist resonated deeply with viewers.
Bae has remained heavily active in the tattoo industry. She established her own independent studio, Diamond Tattoos, located in Times Square. Beyond her studio work, she frequently collaborates with lifestyle brands, focuses on raising her family, and shares her ongoing artistic projects via social media.
Paul Puma Robinson and Sassy Bermudez
Puma served as a core public relations manager and creative force on the show, often caught in the middle of shop politics alongside his close friend Sassy Bermudez, who managed the Harlem shop front.
Both Puma and Sassy transitioned away from the original franchise to build a lasting independent business. Puma opened Art2Ink Studios in New York City, where Sassy joined him as the manager. Art2Ink has grown into a premier body art destination in Manhattan, cementing their long-term footprint in the New York tattoo scene.
JaKeita Sky Days
Sky joined the crew as a receptionist in season two and rapidly evolved into one of the show's most popular and outspoken personalities, eventually managing the Atlanta branch. Her personal transparency and evolution captivated audiences throughout her tenure.
Sky stepped away from the series during season eight. She now maintains a much quieter profile, occasionally engaging with supporters online, focusing on personal ventures, and prioritizing peace away from television drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Ink Crew New York still on the air?
No, the original New York series concluded its run on VH1. The network shifted focus away from several of its long-running unscripted franchises, leaving the cast members to pursue independent careers.
Who still owns the original Black Ink shop?
While the brand expanded to cities like Atlanta and Orlando over the years, the original Harlem location underwent several operational shifts, with former cast members branching out to launch competing or independent local studios like Art2Ink.
Are any of the original cast members still tattooing?
Yes. Artists like Young Bae, Puma, Dutchess, and several supporting crew members continue to tattoo full-time at their own private shops or high-end studios across the United States.
Why did many original cast members leave the show?
Cast departures stemmed from a mix of expired contracts, creative differences with production, a desire to escape reality TV toxicity, and the pursuit of independent business ownership.
